If you’ve read my book, Unforgiving, Memoir of an Asperger Teen, and even if you haven’t, you may be aware that information about autism and Asperger’s was non-existent as far as the public was concerned, until the late 1980’s. Even then it was sporadic.
So how amazing, how practical and helpful to have an internet full of candid, authoritative and informational resources. I am talking about blogs, web zines, and You Tube videos, like the one above. Here are just a few:
The Greatest Adventure: This blog is primarily aimed at allistic (non-autistic) parents of autistic children who will most likely have little to no prior experience of autism and who are looking for encouragement, information and support through shared experiences. https://thegreatestadventuresite.wordpress.com
Autism Parenting Magazine: As a parent of a teen or young adult on the autism spectrum, you have probably had to focus most of your attention on getting all the pieces in place to ensure your student has a successful transition. Whether your son or daughter is going to college, entering the workplace, or learning to live independently, being a special needs parent entails more than many people realize.
Expert advice from our team of respected professionals.
Solutions for dealing with sensory issues.
Advice for handling transitions.
Therapies to help develop your child’s potential.
The latest news and research that can help your family.
Real life stories from parents of children on the spectrum as well as from adults with autism to inspire and bring hope.
In my book, Unforgiving, Memoir of an Asperger Teen, I show the vividness of life when purpose is found and pursued, and the sense of disconnection a teen has when that purpose is lost.
And if you ask some Aspies, they will tell you the thing they know most about happiness, is how elusive it is.
Having a purpose can change that. It will not only fuel your passion and get you out in the world doing something meaningful, “Purpose” also, according to Dr. Patricia A. Boyle PhD, a neuropsychologist with the Rush Alzheimer’s Disease Center, “somehow gives your brain resilience”.
And according to another study by cardiologist Randy Cohen of St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital in New York, Purpose can protect your heart health and contribute to your longevity.
So what is “Purpose” and how do you find it? One thing at least two people agree on, is that action is the key.
“Passion plus Daily Action Equals a Purposeful Life” writes author Shannon Kaiser in her article Three Unexpected Ways to Find Purpose.
In Mark Manson’s article, Seven Strange Questions that Help You Find Your Life Purpose, he states important truths about purpose-finding. “Get off your ass and discover what feels important to you,” Manson directs, adding: “Embrace embarrassment.” and “Everything sucks some of the time.”
Like Kaiser, Manson insists “Passion is the result of action, not the cause of it.”
Want to live longer, have a healthier heart and brain and do something you actually love? First you have to find out what that is. These authors give you fuel for the journey.
Margaret Jean 